Statistical modelling optimisation of cellulase enzyme immobilisation on functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes for empty fruit bunches degradation

Cellulase obtained from the fermentation of sewage treatment plant sludge (STP) by Trichoderma-reesei RUT C-30 was covalently immobilised on functionalised multi-wall carbon nanotubes. Statistical optimisation using the Plackett–Burman design method was implemented to identify parameters with significant effects on the process of immobilisation. The results obtained from this Plackett–Burman design show that three parameters have a significant effect on immobilisation: pH, temperature, and N-ethyl-N-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) concentration. Based on our Plackett-Burman design results, these parameters were further optimised using a face-centred central composite design. The resulting optimum conditions for cellulase immobilisation, as determined by face-centred central composite design, were pH 4.5, 30°C, and 1 mL of 10mg/mL EDC. The amount of immobilised cellulase was approximately 98% using these optimum conditions. The resulting MWCNT-cellulase composite was further characterized by FTIR and SEM. The FTIR spectrum of MWCNT-cellulase composite showed an amide group peak (O = C-NH) corresponding to cellulase enzyme, which confirms that immobilisation took place

Immobilization of cellulases enzyme on Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) for cellulosic compounds degradation

The fast growing palm oil industry in Malaysia generates, amongst other wastes, Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) which consists of cellulosic materials. It is one of the major sources of Greenhouse Gases (GHG). However, the bioconversion of cellulosic materials in EFB, a renewable biomass, to valuable products will be the solution to the disposal problem and hence minimize the pollution. The bioconversion of cellulosic materials is carried out by using cellulase enzyme, which itself was extracted from sludge, immobilized on functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the presence of coupling reagent. The process parameters such as reaction temperature, reaction time, pH, and amount of enzyme, CNTs dosage and EDC were optimized by using design expert software. The morphology and the structure of CNTs were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FSEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Absorption Spectroscopic (FTIR). Firstly, carbon nanotubes were functionalized by acidic treatment. Then, the cellulase enzyme is immobilized on the functionalized (CNTs) in a solution of Nhydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylamino propyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). The amount of enzyme attached on (CNTs) will be measured through UV spectrometer to determine the cellulases catalytic activity after immobilization and compare it with the free enzyme. Finally, the immobilized enzyme will be tested in the degradation of cellulosic material of empty fruit bunch (EFB) from palm oil mill effluent

Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease, and is considered a chronic inflammatory disease. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness as a structural biomarker for axonal loss in MS.Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess the role of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in detecting RNFL in MS patients without history of optic neuritis and to correlate with disease duration and disease disability. Patients and methods: Case-control study included 34 patients with clinically definite relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 34 age- and sex-matched individuals (other than MS) served as the controls. They were selected from the inpatients wards and Outpatients Clinic of Neurology Department, Zagazig University Hospitals. All patients were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination as well as laboratory and specific investigations. Results: The mean age was 34.56 ± 8.79 years in MS patients and 34.03 ± 8.79 years in controls. VEP 42.9% is with delay of p100 wave in bilateral eyes, and prolongal p100 laterary in bilateral eyes in 54.3%. There was a highly statistical significant difference between groups as regard RNFL average thickness and RNFL symmetry. Expanded disability status scale (EDSS) showed independently associated with RNFL.Conclusion: The thickness of the RNFL observed by OCT in MS patients is dramatically reduced when compared to controls, according to the current study. OCT is a valuable tool for determining the thickness of the RNFL in MS patients

Enzymatic hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch using immobilized cellulase enzyme

The rapid development and the economic growth of oil palm industry have exacerbated environmental pollution since it results in large quantity of waste products produced from the oil extraction process. In many cases, however, low catalytic efficiency and instability of enzymes were considered as barriers for the development of large-scale operations and applications. In this study, hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch to reducing sugar was achieved using cellulase enzyme immobilized on multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The hydrolysis evaluation was performed using free cellulase enzyme. The amount of reducing sugar concentration released during the reaction was determined using dinitrosalicylic acid(DNS) assay. Using the immobilized form of the enzyme, it was found that the reducing sugar concentration was increased and the enzymatic hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch was enhanced greatly over long time of hydrolysis

Human Development Index and its association with staff spiritual care provision: a Middle Eastern oncology study

BackgroundAlthough staff spiritual care provision plays a key role in patient-centered care, there is insufficient information on international variance in attitudes toward spiritual care and its actual provision.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of the attitudes of Middle Eastern oncology physicians and nurses toward eight examples of staff provision of spiritual care: two questionnaire items concerned prayer, while six items related to applied information gathering, such as spiritual history taking, referrals, and encouraging patients in their spirituality. In addition, respondents reported on spiritual care provision for their last three advanced cancer patients.ResultsSeven hundred seventy responses were received from 14 countries (25% from countries with very high Human Development Index (HDI), 41% high, 29% medium, 5% low). Over 63% of respondents positively viewed the six applied information gathering items, while significantly more, over 76%, did so among respondents from very high HDI countries (p value range, p<0.001 to p=0.01). Even though only 42-45% overall were positively inclined toward praying with patients, respondents in lower HDI countries expressed more positive views (p<0.001). In interaction analysis, HDI proved to be the single strongest factor associated with five of eight spiritual care examples (p<0.001 for all). Significantly, the Middle Eastern respondents in our study actually provided actual spiritual care to 47% of their most recent advanced cancer patients, compared to only 27% in a parallel American study, with the key difference identified being HDI.ConclusionsA country's development level is a key factor influencing attitudes toward spiritual care and its actual provision. Respondents from lower ranking HDI countries proved relatively more likely to provide spiritual care and to have positive attitudes toward praying with patients. In contrast, respondents from countries with higher HDI levels had relatively more positive attitudes toward spiritual care interventions that involved gathering information applicable to patient care

Evaluating Palliative Care Needs in Middle Eastern Countries

WOS: 000347152600006PubMed ID: 25302525Background: Cancer incidence in Middle Eastern countries, most categorized as low- and middle-income, is predicted to double in the next 10 years, greater than in any other part of the world. While progress has been made in cancer diagnosis/treatment, much remains to be done to improve palliative care for the majority of patients with cancer who present with advanced disease. Objective: To determine knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and resources regarding palliative care services in Middle Eastern countries and use findings to inform future educational and training activities. Design: Descriptive survey. Setting/Subjects: Fifteen Middle Eastern countries; convenience sample of 776 nurses (44.3%), physicians (38.3%) and psychosocial, academic, and other health care professionals (17.4%) employed in varied settings. Measurements: Palliative care needs assessment. Results: Improved pain management services are key facilitators. Top barriers include lack of designated palliative care beds/services, community awareness, staff training, access to hospice services, and personnel/time. The nonexistence of functioning home-based and hospice services leaves families/providers unable to honor patient wishes. Respondents were least satisfied with discussions around advance directives and wish to learn more about palliative care focusing on communication techniques. Populations requiring special consideration comprise: patients with ethnic diversity, language barriers, and low literacy; pediatric and young adults; and the elderly. Conclusions: The majority of Middle Eastern patients with cancer are treated in outlying regions; the community is pivotal and must be incorporated into future plans for developing palliative care services. Promoting palliative care education and certification for physicians and nurses is crucial; home-based and hospice services must be sustained.MECCFunding was provided by MECC. Ronit Esther, MECC coordinator, is acknowledged for assistance with data collection and manuscript formatting. ONS leaders Barbara Lubejko, RN, MS, Project Manager/Education Team and Nurse Peer Review Leader/Approver Unit and Kate Shaughnessy Hankle, MBA, CVA, Management of International and Leadership Development are acknowledged for their assistance with survey revision and qualitative data analysis

Evaluating pain management practices for cancer patients among health professionals: a global survey

Background: Cancer incidence in the world is predicted to increase in the next decade. While progress has been in diagnosis and treatment, much still remains to be done to improve cancer pain therapy, mainly in underserved communities in low-income countries. Objective: To determine knowledge, beliefs, and barriers regarding pain management in both high- and low-income countries (according to the WHO classification); and to learn about ways to improve the current state of affairs. Design: Descriptive survey. Setting/Subjects: Fifty-six countries worldwide; convenience sample of 1639 consisted of 36.8% physicians; 45.1% nurses, and 4.5% pharmacists employed in varied settings. Results: Improved pain management services are key elements. Top barriers include religion factors, lack of appropriate education and training at all levels, nonadherence to guidelines, patients' reluctance to report on pains, over regulation associated with prescribing and access to opioid analgesics, fear of addiction to opioids, and lack of discussions around prognosis and treatment planning. Conclusion: The majority of patients with cancer in low-income countries are undertreated for their pain. Promoting cancer pain accredited program of training and education on pain management for physicians and nurses is crucial, as well as advocating policymakers and the public at large. Keywords: cancer; global; management; opioids; pain